Law Journal Submission Strategies

Submitting to law journals can be a daunting process, but with a strategic approach, you can significantly increase your chances of publication. Here's a breakdown of key strategies:

I. Pre-Submission: Crafting a Strong Article

• 1. Thorough Research:


• Master the existing literature: Conduct a comprehensive literature review. Understand the current state of the debate, identify gaps, and position your argument within the broader scholarly context.


• Accurate citations: Double and triple-check your citations. Incorrect or missing citations are a major red flag for editors. Use Bluebook (or ALWD Citation Manual) meticulously.


• Synthesize, don't just summarize: Go beyond simply reporting what others have said. Analyze, critique, and build upon existing scholarship.


• 2. Develop a Novel and Significant Argument:


• Originality is key: Editors look for fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to legal problems. Avoid rehashing well-trodden ground.


• Practical implications: If possible, connect your analysis to real-world issues and offer concrete recommendations for reform or policy changes.


• Clarity and Focus: Make your central argument clear, concise, and easy to understand. Avoid jargon and overly complex language.


• 3. Structure and Writing:


• Logical organization: Follow a clear and logical structure (e.g., Introduction, Background, Analysis, Conclusion). Use headings and subheadings to guide the reader.


• Strong introduction and conclusion: The introduction should grab the reader's attention, clearly state your thesis, and preview your main arguments. The conclusion should summarize your key findings and offer final thoughts.


• Precise and persuasive language: Use clear, concise, and persuasive language. Avoid ambiguity and weak arguments. Support your claims with evidence and reasoning.


• Proofread meticulously: Ensure your article is free of grammatical errors, typos, and stylistic inconsistencies. Have someone else proofread it as well.


• 4. Abstract and Keywords:


• Compelling Abstract: Write a concise and compelling abstract that accurately summarizes your article's main points, argument, and contributions. This is often the first thing editors will read.


• Relevant Keywords: Choose keywords that accurately reflect the content of your article and will help editors find it during the submission process.

II. Selecting Journals and Submission Process

• 5. Research Journals:


• Target journals that align with your topic: Identify journals that publish articles in your area of law. Review past issues to get a sense of their scope and editorial preferences.


• Consider journal prestige and reach: Understand the journal's ranking, circulation, and audience. Top-tier journals are more competitive, but publication there can significantly boost your career. Also consider journals focused on particular legal communities and practitioner-focused publications.


• Understand journal turnaround times: Some journals respond quickly, while others take months. This can affect your submission strategy.


• 6. Tailor Your Submission:


• Review journal guidelines: Carefully read and follow the journal's submission guidelines. This includes formatting requirements, word limits, citation style, and submission procedures. Failure to follow guidelines is grounds for immediate rejection.


• Write a compelling cover letter: Introduce yourself, summarize your article's main argument and contributions, and explain why it would be a good fit for the journal's readership. Address the letter to the specific editor-in-chief, if possible. Highlight any particularly novel or impactful aspects of your work.


• Consider a prior contact: If you have a connection to a journal editor or a faculty member who might know an editor, consider reaching out to them before submitting. This is usually informal – a brief email asking if they think the topic would be of interest.


• 7. Simultaneous Submissions:


• Understand the rules: Most journals allow simultaneous submissions. However, you must notify the journal immediately if your article is accepted elsewhere.


• Track your submissions: Keep a record of where you submitted your article and when.


• Prioritize journals: Consider submitting to a range of journals, from top-tier to more specialized or regional ones.


• 8. The Cold Email (Approach with Caution):


• Sending emails to individual editors can be effective, but it's essential to do it right. Do not simply copy-paste your cover letter.


• Instead, identify a handful of journals perfectly aligned with your work. Read a few recent issues to get a feel for their tone and preferences.


• Write a very brief, personalized email explaining why your article is a good fit for that specific journal. Mention a recent article in the journal that relates to your work. This shows you've done your homework.


• Attach the abstract. Do not attach the full article unless invited to.


• This tactic is best used when you have a particularly unique or timely piece that you think might get lost in the general submission pile.

III. Post-Submission: Handling Responses and Revisions

• 9. Patience and Professionalism:


• Be patient: Law review review times can be lengthy. Avoid contacting the journal to inquire about the status of your submission unless a significant amount of time has passed.


• Respond promptly and professionally: If you receive a request for revisions, respond promptly and professionally. Thank the editors for their feedback and address all of their concerns.


• 10. Responding to Feedback and Revisions:


• Thoroughly address all comments: Carefully consider all of the editors' comments and make revisions accordingly.


• Explain your reasoning: If you disagree with a comment, politely explain your reasoning. Provide evidence to support your position.


• Track your changes: Use track changes to show the editors how you have revised your article.


• Proofread again: After making revisions, proofread your article again to ensure that it is free of errors.


• 11. Negotiating Offers (If Applicable):


• Be aware of deadlines: When you receive an offer, understand the journal's deadline for acceptance.


• Contact other journals: If you have submitted to other journals, contact them to inform them of your offer and request expedited review. This is best done through a formal letter, not a mass email.


• Consider your options carefully: Weigh the pros and cons of each journal before making a decision.

IV. General Tips for Success:

• Start early: Begin working on your article well in advance of the submission deadline.


• Get feedback: Share your article with colleagues, mentors, or writing groups for feedback. Incorporate their suggestions into your revisions.


• Stay up-to-date: Keep abreast of current legal developments and trends.


• Persistence pays off: Don't be discouraged by rejections. Keep submitting and refining your work.


• Network: Attend legal conferences and workshops to meet other scholars and editors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Failing to follow submission guidelines.


• Submitting a poorly written or researched article.


• Making grammatical errors or typos.


• Ignoring editor feedback.


• Being unprofessional or impatient.


• Submitting to journals that are not a good fit for your topic.


• Plagiarism (intentional or unintentional).

By following these strategies, you can significantly increase your chances of publishing your work in a law journal and contributing to the legal field. Good luck!